Plan a flight-free budget holiday with the best ferry trips for spring
- ontargetmedia8
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Save the environment and pennies with these holidays in the UK and Ireland, says Sarah Marshall.
Two islands at the top of Europe, the UK and Ireland have splendid coastlines – easily explored by boat. Many destinations are connected by ferry, making it possible to have a water-based adventure without straying too far from home.
Cheaper prices, convenient timetables and the option to pack as much as you like make ferry holidays a far more convenient option for families on a short break.
Here are some of the best trips to book this spring.
Jersey
Anyone inspired by the revamp of Eighties TV hit Bergerac should head to the channel islands for a short break. Premiered on UKTV earlier this month, the crime drama about a troubled detective has caused a surge of interest in Jersey, where the series was filmed.
Book a Bergerac Break at the St Brelade’s Bay Hotel and take a peek at the Penthouse Suite which features in episode two. Other key locations seen on screen include Bouley Bay, St Ouen’s Bay and the capital’s Royal Square. The hotel has also produced a self-guided Location Tour Map featuring key spots from both the classic and new series.
From the end of March, DFDS will start ferry crossings from Portsmouth and Poole to Jersey’s capital, St Helier, with a crossing time of just over four hours.
How: Half-board packages from £358pp (two sharing). Visit stbreladesbayhotel.com.
Crossings from £152 per car one way (two travelling). Visit dfds.com.
Kilkee, Co Clare, Ireland
The west coast of Ireland is renowned for its dramatic scenery. Admire some of the coastline’s greatest natural wonders with a stay at Kilkee in County Clare, a stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. Natural sea arches and blowholes showcase the power of the Atlantic Ocean at the Bridges of Ross, while a scenic trail along the Kilkee cliff walk presents breath-snatching views of the Cliffs of Moher.
Explore the historic 17th century Loop Head Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula, taking a pair of binoculars to look for seals and dolphins.
Stay close to Spanish Cove, a sheltered bay perfect for snorkelling. At low tide, rock pools are filled with starfish and sea anemones.
How: A seven-night stay at the First Floor Apartments in Kilkee costs from £626 (based on four sharing), including accommodation and ferry travel to Rosslare, Dublin from Pembroke, Wales. Visit irishferries.com.
Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Described by author Charles Dickens as “the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad”, the Isle of Wight is a delight at any time of year.
Hundreds of Victorians would holiday on the island easily reached across the Solent, with many heading to seaside town Ventnor.
Famous for its microclimate and long hours of sunshine, the pretty town has become a hub for gourmet dining. Feast on local produce at top restaurants including the Smoking Lobster, Cantina and The Hambrough, and enjoy a pint while watching waves lap the shore at The Spyglass Inn.
Sample a choice 900 wines at The Terrace, a recently renovated six bedroom waterside property set high above the Esplanade.
How: Rooms from £200 per night including breakfast and an evening wine tasting. Visit theterraceventnor.co.uk.
Car ferry crossings from Portsmouth to Fishbourne from around £45 one way. Visit wightlink.co.uk.
Lough Derg, Ireland
For an adventure-packed break in sublime surroundings, pretty village Terryglass is an ideal base. Set on the northern shores of Lough Derg, it’s the starting point for multiple hiking routes with good access to watersports facilities based around Ireland’s third largest lake.
Swim, fish, kayak or paddleboard on glassy waters wrapped by mountains, or rent a boat to explore hidden coves and secret shores. Nearby, Portumna Forest Park has several well-marked trails, with chances to spot fallow deer, foxes, badgers and pine martens.
Several historic sites are also easily accessible, including an ancient monastic site founded by St. Columba in the 6th century and the restored 15th-century Norman Redwood Castle. Stay at the Old Court Holiday Homes on the edge of the lake and spend the day with pub grub and live music at the Derg Inn.
How: A seven-night stay at Old Court Holiday Homes costs from £820.30 (for up to six people), including ferry crossings. Visit irishferries.com.
